I'm creating some system mainly for myself to use. I start with 20 points, which increase by 1 each day, for simplicity's sake. I delegate these between categories, and create priorities with them. Easier to see in my mind. These are all development, not current status, thus I could keep Exploration at 5 forever and still discover stuff.

Diplomacy 1 point1. The Swarm

Exploration 5 pointsThe discovery of new ocean planets in addition to stellar art is believed to be the largest advantages of FTL-travels. 1. Habitable worlds. 2. Stellar art. 3. Alien lifeforms.

Research 3 pointsUpon further research, the colony ship sent to Asaener was highly flawed, and the operation's success was extremely lucky, considering the now projected chances of success is 10%. Engineering: Colony Ship improvements.Society: Alien Communication. Physics: Fission Power.